Sylvia Duruson
Cassava Technologies, a leading infrastructure and digital services provider, has unveiled its latest venture: Cassava AI. This new business unit aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the company’s offerings across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Headquartered in London, Cassava AI builds upon the company’s existing partnerships with tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, AWS, Anthropic, Oracle, Atlas AI, Cerebras, and Palo Alto Networks. The unit’s establishment reflects Cassava’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in emerging markets.
Hardy Pemhiwa, Cassava’s President and Group CEO, emphasized the new unit’s extensive reach. Cassava AI will tap into the company’s operations across more than 40 markets, providing a wide array of services. These include data centers, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fiber connectivity, and renewable energy solutions.
To lead this ambitious initiative, Cassava has appointed Ahmed El Beheiry, a seasoned technology and telecoms executive. Under his guidance, the unit is poised to drive innovation and digital transformation across its target regions.
In preparation for this launch, Cassava has already invested in human capital. The company has trained over 200 AI specialists within its 5,000-strong workforce. These experts are ready to assist clients in adopting generative AI (GenAI) technologies, ensuring a smooth transition into the AI-driven future of business.
This move aligns with Cassava’s ongoing investments and partnerships in Africa. Recently, the company’s data center business, Africa Data Centres, announced an expansion of its Cape Town facility. This project will double the center’s capacity, adding 6MW of IT load to meet the growing demand for cloud computing services in South Africa.
Financial backing for these expansions has been substantial. In June 2024, Africa Data Centers secured a R2 billion (approximately US$112 million) financing solution from Rand Merchant Bank. This funding is earmarked for expanding data center capacity to support the burgeoning cloud computing market in South Africa.
Cassava’s commitment to Africa extends beyond infrastructure. In March, its business unit Liquid C2 joined forces with Google Cloud and AI company Anthropic. This collaboration aims to deliver advanced cloud and cybersecurity solutions, along with GenAI capabilities, to businesses across the continent.
This recent partnership builds upon a previous agreement with Google Cloud, announced at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town in November 2023. These strategic alliances underscore Cassava’s dedication to bringing cutting-edge technologies to African markets.
The company’s investment in South Africa has been particularly noteworthy. In 2023, Cassava pledged to invest 4.5 billion South African rand (about US$249 million at the time) through its various business units – Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, and Distributed Power Africa.
As Cassava Technologies continues to expand its footprint and capabilities, the launch of Cassava AI represents a significant step forward. By combining AI expertise with its existing infrastructure and partnerships, the company is well-positioned to drive digital transformation across emerging markets.
The establishment of Cassava AI not only demonstrates the company’s foresight in recognizing the potential of AI but also its commitment to fostering technological growth in regions that have historically lagged in digital adoption. As these markets continue to develop, Cassava’s integrated approach to digital services could play a crucial role in shaping their technological landscape.
